Who has experience with portable AC units?

[icdog]

I used 2 single hose portables over time, one 7000btu for winter, one 12000btu for summer and then switched to a window ac 10000btu.

With the portables I connected the exhaust hose to a carbonair inline carbon filter. It worked well, I read that high humidity will kill the carbon filter quickly but it seemed ok for about 6 months at a time.
The exhaust hose, carbon filter and extension hoses all got very hot while it was on.

After switching to the window shaker the difference is huge. I knew the portables were pluged from the carbon filter but the window ac cools the room quickly and then the compressor turns off till it warms up again. Even when I was using the 12000btu it was always on and was barely able to keep up with 3k of light. On a hot day with lights off it was barely able to cycle off.

I tested the portable with a co2 meter and when the portable was on it quickly pulled the levels down below 400.

 

[WhoAmI?]

soilman - does your window unit have a significant effect on co2 levels??

 

[Guest]

My 12,000 BTU LG window unit I have now has zero effect on room co2 PPM,I know this to be true because I have a co2 controller with digital readout

 

[darthvapor]

what is that magic formula to go by. X number of btu's per x watts of light I think it goes?

 

[darthvapor]

I just remembered. How do window units compare to split systems. Seems that for the price and effectiveness the window units are hard to beat. And if soilman uses them effectively in florida, they pretty much will work even in hell. same temp just about.

 

[BlindDate]

I've run several rooms with a split system LG AC in each one. They do the job well but require much maintenance. All these residential AC units (including window ones) are not meant to run 24/7 365 in a plant environment. The condensers get clogged the fans grow mold and always need to be cleaned.It's a bitch. A pressure sprayer helps, but If you guys are serious about growing, I would look into industrial units. However, now a days window AC is so cheap that you might be better off throwing them away after a year rather than clean them. That is if your situation can accommodate a window unit.

 

[spiralsmurf]

window units are definitely the way to go. portable units are always struggling to overcome the heat they throw into the room thus not only making them less efficient from a longevity standpoint but also from a power perspective because they're less efficient than a window unit AND they have to run all the time so all in all, they're just bad. unless you can duct the cold air from the portable into your room then forget it.

 

[NiteTiger]

Also, I'm worried about running an AC in the WINTER. Looks kind of suspicious.

Lots of window units have a heater option. You're fine

 

[ThereIsHope]

My 12,000 BTU LG window unit I have now has zero effect on room co2 PPM,I know this to be true because I have a co2 controller with digital readout

All window units will affect your CO2. You may have a better sealed system but all window units will deplete your CO2.

The only A/C system which is fool proof and will not use your CO2 is a split system. Split systems do not have a return air grill nor will they vent out grow room smells.

Some window units have the ability to open and close a small vent door to the exterior and none are sealed 100%.

You may not notice an appreciable difference even with a CO2 monitor (I have the CAP PPM-3) since you are probably adding CO2 as you are depleting it.

Try turning off your CO2 and then run your A/C while watching how fast your CO2 readings will drop versus having your CO2 "ON" and running your A/C.

 

[Guest]

Thats how I tested it bro,I killed the pilot light too for good measure.I can stand outside my unit in the front yard,stick my face up to it and snort to my hearts contecnt,the odor emitted is zero.Saqme as the co2.I'm not saying any unit is 100% sealed,I am saying it causes no visual fluctuation.After using portables and finally getting a controller,I know what co2 depletion looks like on the readout lol!I've never had a window unit not last three years at 24/7,just lucky I guess.The one problem you will run into,even in Fla is it icing up on a cold morning,I dont know about doing this up North.Maybe yes..maybe noo..

 

[cobain420]

ya it gets below zero here, so i had some serious issues with the window ac

 

[BudZad7]

Hi All Nice Info ! 8000 btu Everstar portable with 1 exhaust hose 7'
keep hose shorter and not streached out, place unit outside grow area and exhaust to outside, then attach a 12"x12" or various sizes vent box to the front of the portable AC ,you can use foil duct tape to attach it...and a little brace
under the vent box to keep it straight,attach a reducer vent 4" or 6" etc etc...
and then attach ducting and run it where needed,also longer duct runs need an inline booster fan, they are cheap @ local hardware stores a 6" cost $28,the same fan at a Hydro store cost $30-$50...go figure...also people should not mention local stores name when buying stuff for these purposes,just say local
hardware stores,keep it simple....LOL....;>) also is it possible to do the same with a window unit, enclose the exhaust side and vent outdoors,and the unit can be mounted or maybe set on a floor rack, any ideas anyone?? Peace!

 

[icough2getoff]

I have a 10,000 btu portable AC and it's practically worthless. I also have an 8,000 btu window AC and it performs WAY better. All though you're assumptions are right, window ACs are not a good idea in freezing weather. I came home from work one morning when it was below freezing outside, my window AC was making this extremely loud banging noise. Holy crap I felt so lucky the neighbors didn't call the cops (found out later they were growing too though, hahah).

If it gets cold where you live I'd follow the cool tube/hood advice

 

[cobain420]

icough2getoff:

Same exact thing happened to me, mid January I came by my room, and could hear the loud clunking noise, which turned out to be ice on the fan blades.